2012
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David Farmer - Feb. 2012
David Farmer, a member of the Grand Island High School Class of 2000, has been selected by The Family Handyman as a winner in its inaugural Best in DIY awards program.David, who passed the state electrical exam and learned how to lay brick and frame with heavy timbers in order to build the porch of his dreams, was honored with the consumers’ choice award for best deck & patio. As one of three category winners, David received a $1,000 prize in addition to a trip to the 2012 International Builders' Show in Orlando, Florida, where he was recognized in a ceremony on February 8th attended by The Family Handyman Editor in Chief, Ken Collier, and former Dallas Cowboy and current FOX football analyst, Daryl Johnston. His project is also highlighted in the February 2012 issue of The Family Handyman, which is currently on print and digital newsstands.
Consumers selected David’s project as one of three category winners via online voting at familyhandyman.com; The Family Handyman editors selected a fourth project as the grand prize winner. Official rules and regulations for the contest are available upon request.
Benefit For Ken Lenz - Feb. 2012
A Benefit For Ken Lenz will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2012 from 2-6 p.m. at St. John de LaSalle at 8477 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls. He is the father of five boys,and is battling Stage IV lung and brain cancer. See Benefit For Ken for more information. Fundraiser t-shirt information and order form.Magdalyn Chauby to Perform at Carnegie Hall - Feb. 2012
See Buffalo News Story by Samantha Maziarz-Christmann.David J. Conboy Candidate in Presidential Scholars Program - Jan. 2012
David Conboy, a graduating senior at Seoul American High School, and previously a student at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, in Kenmore, New York, has been named one of more than 3,000 candidates in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.2 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2012. See Scholars for complete story
Donohue - Ciechoski Engagement- Feb. 2012
Michael and Jeanette Donohue of Plainview, Long Island and Chris and Sheila Ciechoski of Grand Island would like to announce the engagement of their children, Moira Donohue and Christopher Ciechoski. Moira received her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education at Buffalo State College. Christopher received his Masters Degree in Elementary Special Education at D'Youville College. The couple met while attending University at Buffalo State College. A June 2013 wedding is planned.
Brooke Chamberlain - Feb. 2012
Brooke Chamberlain, daughter of Greg and Cheryl Chamberlain of Grand Island, earned distinction on the President's List at SUNY Oswego for her fall 2011, Freshmen semester. To qualify for this prestigious honor, students must maintain a 3.8 or higher GPA. Brooke is currently a biology major in the honors program at Oswego.
Kelly Cich - Feb. 2012
Kelly Cich, daughter of Daniel and Debbie Cich, has been named to the Dean’s List at Michigan State University. Kelly is double majoring in Kinesiology & Athletic Training with a specialization in Health Promotion. Kelly was selected to work with the Men’s Basketball Team as the student athletic trainer for the fall 2011 semester. She was also selected to work with the Men’s Football Team currently for the spring semester. Kelly is a 2008 graduate from Grand Island High School.
Argerous Filosofos - Jan. 2012
Teddy Filosofos, son of former resident Ted Filosofos, always remembered his father telling him to never follow the crowd, always make your own path and let others follow you. Well he has done that most of his life living in numerous places between Alaska and Panama, climbing, river rafting, hiking and more or less living on the edge. Many thought he was crazy at times and maybe he was. Teddy, who now goes by his middle name Argerous (so as not to be confused with his dad, Ted, or son, Theo) has two grown children of his own now. A daughter Sevaste (22) and a son Theo (19). He wants them to know that they too should not follow the crowd and that they should experience life to its fullest. So for a Christmas present he bought them a couple of tickets to the Daytona Racetrack where they climbed into a car with a driver and ran around the track a few times at 180 miles an hour. "They get pretty close to those walls on the turns. I could put my arm out and touch it if I wanted to," said Sevie after her ride.
For Sevie's and Theo's birthdays, dad thought they would enjoy skydiving, not just any skydiving but jumping out at 15,000 ft., one of the highest jumps in the US! Sevie saying afterward, "I couldn't breathe for the first few minutes until the chute finally opened, what a rush." And Theo just adding "that was awesome!" And Arg? Arg was just happy he made it back in one piece adding, "I think I saw my dad sitting on a cloud laughing as we went by!"
Sevie and Theo both live together in the Orlando area and go to UCF which is the 2nd largest university in the United States. Sevie is a senior in Medical Administration and Theo is a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering. Sevie recently made some history by becoming the first female president of the UCF wresting team. The team voted her in and she oversees all aspects of the team. She was one of the trainers for the team for the last four years. Dad is proud and so is Grandpa!
Jason Walker On Scene As Navy Rescues Iranians - Jan. 2012
See Naval Rescue.Jason is a Grand Island High School graduate, Class of 2006.
Island Author Publishes Kindle eBook - Jan. 2012
Island resident Todd C. Riniolo, Ph.D. has published a Kindle eBook (.99 cents) titled “Freud, Murder, and Fame: Lessons in Psychology’s Fascinating History.”
See Freud-Murder-Fame-Psychologys-ebook.
Todd is a full professor of social sciences at Medaille College (Buffalo, NY, USA). Professor Riniolo has a successful track record publishing in academic journals as well as magazines that stress critical thinking.
Brian O'Connor Opens Go-Go Diner - Jan. 2012
Click photo for larger view - story from the Lee County Newspress and the North Fort Myers Neighbor
After about a month in business Brian O'Connor, chef and owner of The GoGo Diner, is getting a feel for what his customers crave. "I do a corned beef hash that's just flying out of here," said O'Connor, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef who has spent most of his career at private restaurants and clubs, including a stint at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples.
"I've never done breakfast before in my life. I'm not an early riser, but I'm having fun with it." The GoGo Diner has been serving breakfast and lunch at 957 Pondella Road in North Fort Myers since Oct. 1. The still-evolving menu features red-velvet pancakes, homemade chili, burgers, classic Reuben sandwiches, omelets and wraps.
O'Connor didn't intend to open a diner but he said, for the space, it just felt right. The GoGo's interior has an art deco feel with turquoise, beige, black and red accents, and touches of chrome. "Right now it's kind of a one-man show," O'Connor said. "I've got a waitress to help out, and we're hoping to expand the hours once I get breakfast and lunch under control." But for now The GoGo Diner is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Find it on Facebook for more.
Brian is a member of the Grand Island High School Class of 1986, born and raised on Grand Island, and is the son of Jim and Trudy O'Connor.
